Blog Tour: VANGUARD by Ann Aguirre An Interview & Giveaway!

Hey everyone! I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the blog tour for VANGUARD by Ann Aguirre! I freaking love this series!!!

I have an interview with Ann to share with you today! And make sure to enter the giveaway below!

Haven't heard of VANGUARD? Check it out!

Title: VANGUARD (Razorland #4)

Author: Ann Aguirre

Release Date: July 25, 2017

Pages: 368

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Audible

The Razorland saga continues. Since the war ended, Tegan has dreamed of an epic journey, so when she has the opportunity to sign on as ship's doctor, she can't wait. It's past time to chart her course. Millie Faraday, the kindest girl in the free territories, also yearns to outrun her reputation, and warrior-poet James Morrow would follow Tegan to the ends of the earth.

Their company seems set, but fate brings one more to their number. Tegan will battle incredible odds while aiding Szarok, the Uroch vanguard, who has ventured forth to save his people. Szarok is strange and beautiful, like a flower that blooms only in the dark. She shouldn't allow him close, as such a relationship is both alien and forbidden. But through stormy seas and strange lands, she will become stronger than she ever knew.

Now on to the interview!

Ann Aguirre Interview Two Chicks Interview 7/17/2017

Hey Ann!! First I want to say welcome back to Two Chicks on Books I’m glad you could stop by for a chat it’s been a while! VANGUARD was freaking AWESOME and I can’t wait for everyone to read it!

For the readers: can you tell us a little bit about the events leading up to VANGUARD and the characters? Will we see Deuce and Fade or is this story all Tegan’s?

The book takes place about ten months after the closing events of Horde, though certainly before the fairy-tale style epilogue. Tegan has been studying with Dr. Wilson, and then a pivotal event occurs, freeing her to pursue a grand adventure of her own. This is definitely Tegan’s story, but there are a few scenes with Deuce and Fade, and yes, you do get to find out whether their first child is a boy or a girl and what the baby’s name is!

It’s been 4 years since HORDE! Why did you decide to re-visit the Razorland series after a fairly long break?

​

I got so much reader correspondence asking what happened to Tegan and whether she eventually ended up with James Morrow, that I jokingly said, "If there's enough interest, I'll write a companion novel!" To be honest, I intended to leave that open and up to reader imaginations, but then my editor asked if I would actually do that, because it seemed there was sufficient demand for a companion story. After some reflection, I decided I would be happy to tell Tegan's story. And then I did. :)​

Were any of the characters in the book inspired by people from your real life?

Definitely not. While I do pull dialogue from the way real people talk, my characters live only my head.

Who was your favorite character to write? What about your least favorite?

My favorite is Szarok by far. My least favorite POV was James Morrow, but that’s just because he’s up against Tegan and Szarok.

What is your favorite passage/scene in VAGUARD?

I love the scene where Tegan and Szarok are stranded on the island and she teaches him to kiss.

What kind of research did you have to do for the story?

A lot of ‘stranded on a non-desert island’ type stuff. I had to figure out what resources they would plausibly have in a skerry located up near Newfoundland.

Who is your ultimate book boyfriend?

Varen from Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

What inspired you to write YA?

My kids. They were asking me when they were around thirteen and fifteen, “When are you going to write something we can read?” and the Razorland trilogy was born. I discovered I really liked writing for teens and just kept going.

Lightning Round Questions

What are you reading right now? Or what do you have on your TBR that you’re dying to read?

Oblivion by Kelly Creagh

False Hearts by Laura Lam

The Prey of Gods by Nicky Drayden

Of Fire and Stars by Audrey Coulthurst

What Hogwarts House would the Sorting Hat place you in?

Have been sorted every time, on every test, including official Pottermore, twice, as HUFFLEPUFF

Twitter or Facebook?

Twitter

Favorite Superhero?

Groot

Favorite TV show?

The Master’s Sun

Sweet or Salty?

Both

Any Phobias?

Heights

Falling

Clowns

Insects

Porcelain-faced dolls

Large crowds

Small spaces

Dead things

Song you can’t get enough of right now?

Spirits by the Strumbellas

2017 Movie you’re most looking forward to?

Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and it was SO FUN. Baby Groot forever.

Thanks so much Ann for answering my questions! I can’t wait for everyone to read VANGUARD!

About Ann:

Ann Aguirre is a USA Today bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. She writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Tumblr

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of VANGUARD, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/17/2017- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

7/18/2017- YA Books Central- Review

7/19/2017- Tales of the Ravenous Reader- Guest Post

7/20/2017- Fiction Fare- Review

7/21/2017- Adventures of a Book Junkie- Interview

Week Two:

7/24/2017- Reese's Reviews- Review

7/25/2017- Novel Novice- Guest Post

7/26/2017- Perspective of a Writer- Review

7/27/2017- YA and Wine- Interview

7/28/2017- A Gingerly Review- Review

Grab the first 3 books!

Blog Tour- HORDE by Ann Aguirre Dream Cast and a Giveaway!

Ok so I am stoked to have Ann Aguirre here today! I freaking love her Razorland series its so creepy and amazingly written! I asked for a dream cast. I thought I’d get a couple but she basically cast the whole series! This is soooo cool!

Check out the books! If you haven't read ENCLAVE only read the first synopsis!

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble

WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first Deuce thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

             

               Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble

Deuce’s whole world has changed.

Down below, she was considered an adult. Now, topside in a town called Salvation, she’s a brat in need of training in the eyes of the townsfolk. She doesn't fit in with the other girls: Deuce only knows how to fight.

To make matters worse, her Hunter partner, Fade, keeps Deuce at a distance. Her feelings for Fade haven’t changed, but he seems not to want her around anymore. Confused and lonely, she starts looking for a way out.

Deuce signs up to serve in the summer patrols—those who make sure the planters can work the fields without danger. It should be routine, but things have been changing on the surface, just as they did below ground. The Freaks have grown smarter. They’re watching. Waiting. Planning. The monsters don’t intend to let Salvation survive, and it may take a girl like Deuce to turn back the tide.

                                  Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble

The epic conclusion to the USA Today bestselling trilogy.

The horde is coming.

Salvation is surrounded, monsters at the gates, and this time, they're not going away. When Deuce, Fade, Stalker and Tegan set out, the odds are against them. But the odds have been stacked against Deuce from the moment she was born. She might not be a Huntress anymore, but she doesn't run. With her knives in hand and her companions at her side, she will not falter, whether fighting for her life or Fade's love.

Ahead, the battle of a lifetime awaits. Freaks are everywhere, attacking settlements, setting up scouts, perimeters, and patrols. There hasn't been a war like this in centuries, and humans have forgotten how to stand and fight. Unless Deuce can lead them.

This time, however, more than the fate of a single enclave or outpost hangs in the balance. This time, Deuce carries the banner for the survival of all humanity.

         

          Endurance a Razorland Novella only 99 cents!

          Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble

When rebellion destroys the underground world in which Thimble and Stone have grown up, they take Stone’s son and try to escape the chaos. Along the way, they must evade the Freaks, beings who feed on human flesh. Leaving behind the roles of Builder and Breeder which they were assigned at birth, they wander the underground tunnels, looking for safety yet afraid to go “topside” where legend has it that the light and water will burn their skin from their bones.

Their journey takes them upward to an unimagined world of tinned food, comfortable furniture, and books. Away from their regimented society for the first time, and still facing imminent danger, Thimble and Stone acknowledge the forbidden attraction which both have denied for years.

Now on to the Dream Cast! I have commentary it's in the parenthesis lol

So without further ado, here’s my dream cast for Horde. The pictures speak for themselves. 

Deuce - Chloe Moretz (love her and this pic is creepy as hell!)

http://www.technologytell.com/entertainment/files/2013/08/Chloe-Moretz-as-Carrie-in-Fan-Made-Poster-575x813.jpg

Fade - Carter Jenkins (cutie!)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTQyMjIwMDgwMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMDA5OTcyNw@@._V1._SX500_SY333_.jpg

Stalker - Austin Butler (excuse me while I *swoon* I heart Stalker!)

 http://us.cdn282.fansshare.com/photos/austinbutler/austin-butler-1602020911.jpg

Tegan - Victoria Justice (she's pretty)

http://www.theplace2.ru/archive/victoria_justice/img/victoria_justice_gui-1.jpg

James Morrow -  Robert Sheehan (can I haz?)

http://i3.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article1774439.ece/ALTERNATES/s2197/robert%20sheehan-1774439.jpg

Momma Oaks - Imelda Staunton (Ugh Umbridge! LOL)

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Observer/Pix/pictures/2010/1/26/1264517465352/Imelda-Staunton-001.jpg

Edmund - Obba Babatundé

http://esg6rzdhdg9i115s.zippykid.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/obba_babatunde2010-screenshot1-med-wide.jpg

Rex - Jesse Williams (Excuse me while I *swoon* again! Those eyes!!!)

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtqxUwqFwPupqAysXffwiTUELnxrrfQhxWeiFxT-mHuTqyl8BYPQIWiT9-8u4ChAtcGutH7fT4pvZYFNCPN1cWQ5YDMT5EyXdAYXX3wRO82FNVSKy2fEOqYbxIe7XKZHLMwNu5EZRKSg/s1600/JESSE-WILLIAMS.jpg

Colonel Park - Ming-Na Wen (She's perfect!!!!)

http://cdn.hitfix.com/photos/3177883/Ming-Na-Wen-of-Marvels-Agents-of-S.H.I.E.L.D..jpg

Morgan - Luke Hemsworth (the third Hemsworth and a total hottie!)

http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2012/07/02/1226415/088673-luke-hemsworth.jpg

Thornton - Ron Perlman (this man is awesome!! Love him!)

http://us.cdn002.fansshare.com/photos/ronperlman/ron-perlman-sons-of-anarchy-biker-kalashnikov-motorcycle-serial-87266364.jpg

Spence - Adam Hicks

http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/68593652/Adam+Hicks+AH+01.png

Tully - Katee Sackhoff (I have a total girl crush on her!)

http://s4.freebeacon.com/up/2013/09/katee-sackhoff-BSG-starbuck-500.jpg

Gavin - Asa Butterfield

http://www.enderwiggin.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Asa-Butterfield2.jpg

Thanks for having me on the blog! I’m happy to discuss my choices and listen to alternatives in comments.

Thank you Ann! This post is badass <3333333333333 o:p="">

I was lucky enough to have the exclusive trailer reveal for HORDE a wile back but I wanted to share it again!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Ann:

Ann Aguirre is a USA Today bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, and various pets. She writes all kinds of genre fiction for adults and teens.

Relevant info/links:

Ann Aguirre is part of the October/November Fierce Reads Tour with Gennifer Albin, Leigh Bardugo, and Jessica Brody. Get all the tour info:http://www.macteenbooks.com/fiercereads/tour.php

Ann Aguirre’s Website: http://www.annaguirre.com/

Horde Blog Tour Schedule

Monday 10/14

Rainy Day Ramblings

Tuesday 10/15

Supernatural Snark

Wednesday 10/16

Two Chicks on Books

Thursday 10/17

Almost Grown-Up

Friday 10/18

Alice Marvels

Monday 10/21

The Midnight Garden

Tuesday 10/22

PageTurners

Wednesday 10/23

Curling Up with a Good Book

Thursday 10/24

Birth of a New Witch

Friday

Adventures of a Book Junkie

Exclusive Trailer Reveal- HORDE by Ann Aguirre and a Giveaway!!!!

I am super excited to have this trailer reveal today! I absolutely love Ann Aguirre's Enclave series and can't wait to read the end of it!

Here's a little bit about Horde before I reveal the trailer.

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble/ The Book Depository

The epic conclusion to the USA Today bestselling trilogy.  The horde is coming. Salvation is surrounded, monsters at the gates, and this time, they're not going away. When Deuce, Fade, Stalker and Tegan set out, the odds are against them. But the odds have been stacked against Deuce from the moment she was born. She might not be a Huntress anymore, but she doesn't run. With her knives in hand and her companions at her side, she will not falter, whether fighting for her life or Fade's love. Ahead, the battle of a lifetime awaits. Freaks are everywhere, attacking settlements, setting up scouts, perimeters, and patrols. There hasn't been a war like this in centuries, and humans have forgotten how to stand and fight. Unless Deuce can lead them. This time, however, more than the fate of a single enclave or outpost hangs in the balance. This time, Deuce carries the banner for the survival of all humanity.

Find Ann!

Ann Aguirre on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsAnnAguirre

Ann Aguirre on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.aguirre

Ann Aguirre’s Website: http://www.annaguirre.com/


And now the trailer!!!!!




Wasn't that awesome?!?!?! Now on to the awesome giveaway.

Macmillan is giving away a paperback of Enclave, a hardcover of Outpost, and an ARC of Horde to one lucky winner US?Canada Only. Enter below and good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Outpost Blog Tour and a Giveaway!

Hey y’all! I’m so excited to be a part of the Outpost Blog Tour! I absolutely love this series check out my review of Outpost and see why! Also I just think Ann Aguirre is a rockstar! This woman don’s so many different author hats I don’t know how she does it so I decided to ask her about it along with some other questions check it out! And below fill out the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win a paperback of Enclave and a Hardcover of Outpost thanks to the lovely peeps at Macmillan!

Ann Aguirre is a national bestselling author with a degree in English Literature; before she began writing full time, she was a clown, a clerk, a voice actress, and a savior of stray kittens, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in sunny Mexico with her husband, children, two cats, and one very lazy dog. She likes all kinds of books, emo music, action movies and Dr. Who. She writes urban fantasy (the Corine Solomon series), romantic science fiction (the Jax series), apocalyptic paranormal romance (the Ellen Connor books with Carrie Lofty), paranormal romantic suspense (as Ava Gray), and post-apocalyptic dystopian young adult fiction.

1     So you’re a busy lady with your different books! How do you find the time to write them all and be online tweeting and on facebook talking to your loyal readers?

I set a schedule and do my best to keep to it. Between my work, my family, home and other social obligations, I don't have a lot of free time. I put in a lot of hours—and it doesn't stop at five. I work early; I work late after I get home from a cocktail party. Whatever it takes to get the job done, I do it. Sometimes I do have to step back and let my emails sit a little longer or dial back on the Twitter presence while I'm drafting, but I'm confident my readers know I'll be back as soon as I can. They want the books, I reckon.

    I know I can’t be too spoilery for the people who haven’t read Outpost but can you give us any hints about what’s coming in Horde? Because that ending?!?!

Heh. Yes, it's going to be tough waiting for the conclusion, I think, but that's somewhat the point. I want people really eager to find out how the saga wraps up next year. I'll give you this hint, though: Deuce will be reunited with Stone and Thimble. If you haven't read the Endurance novella to find out more about how the latter two left College, you should check that out before Horde is released.

I know you have another YA series in the works the Beauty Trilogy. What’s it about?

This was pitched as Doctor Faustus meets Mean Girls, set in a dark world of secret societies, twisted bargains, and forbidden love. The heroine is named Edie, and the hero is called Kian. It’s insanely complex in what my agent calls the “down the rabbit hole” way. I will say that it's definitely a YA romance, but I feel a little superstitious about this project, and I don’t want to leak too many details until I get the first book finished.

Tell me about some of the books you've read lately? What’s really caught your eye?

I'm in love with Kristen Callihan's new series, absolutely amazing paranormal historical romance. If you didn't know that was a thing, join the club and then go buy her books. They are SO GOOD. I also loved Delilah S. Dawson's debut, Wicked as They Come. In the YA area, I loved Jennifer Echol's Such a Rush, Adorkable by Sara Manning, Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, and Grave Mercy by R.L. Lafevers.

Ok so a question about my favorite character in Enclave and Outpost. Yep you knew I couldn't let you leave without a Stalker question lol. So who was your inspiration for his character? And will there be love for the big guy in the future?

Heh, I'm always confused when people tell me they like Stalker. I understand the hate and vitriol. The love I find a bit perplexing. He's awful and hateful in the beginning, and then when you realize he's had no exposure to kindness or gentle ways, you might feel a bit sorry for him. I don't know that I had any particular inspiration for him, but I'm definitely asking a philosophical question with his character, regarding nature versus nurture. How can his gang be expected to be kind or moral when they've become near feral, concerned only with survival at its basest level? That said, I'm also exploring whether it's possible to change, once you realize there's something better out there. Unfortunately, the question regarding his future is a spoiler. 

Do you listen to music when you write? What’s your Outpost playlist look like?

Sometimes I do. And yes! Here it is: http://www.mixpod.com/playlist/73760603

If you were to cast the main characters from Enclave and Outpost who would your dream cast be?

I think it would be more interesting to have readers of the interview do this! Maybe we can give away a copy of Outpost to a random commenter if they present their dream cast for the movies. Thoughts?

I say awesome! Brilliant idea! So comment away with your dream cast for Enclave and Outpost below!

What’s your favorite snack to eat while you’re writing? Do you have a writing cave?

This is a little embarrassing, but I'm all about the Diet Pepsi and Hot Nuts. Yeah, I really typed that.

So. Yep. Right now, no, but in the new place we just bought, I have an incredibly gorgeous office with a phenomenal view. I can't wait to move.

What’s it like to live in Mexico?

Like anywhere else, it has its ups and downs. I love the climate because it’s so temperate. And I love rainy season because you can set your watch by it. You know you need to have your errands done by afternoon and be holed up to watch it storm. There’s a raw loveliness to it that I’ve never seen anywhere else.

People here are charming as well. The pace is quite different from the US. People aren’t in a hurry. The work will still be there tomorrow. Life is festive. Parties spill out into the streets. People dance at the drop of a hat. Folks tend to be exuberant, lively, and animated. (That’s not to say that nobody here is ever surly.)

On my block, there are often itinerant musicians, peddlers selling homemade crafts like pottery, baskets and rugs, and there’s a man who peddles a bicycle cart, while calling out, 

“Tamales! Burritos! Tortillas! Good Oaxaca cheese!” and if you come out to meet him, you can buy your supper off the back of his bike. He keeps the food warm in insulated pots.

The worst thing about living here is trying to navigate. Streets are not always well marked and I suck at reading maps, even when streets are clearly marked. But I’m making progress. Every day I learn something new. It makes life an adventure, which is fine by me.

 Ok so I also have some fun stuff to share! Check out the Enclave and Outpost trailers!!!!!

Ann Aguirre wrote a short story, Endurance, that takes place in the same world, but focuses on Thimble and Stone, and bridges the gap betweenEnclave and Outpost: http://us.macmillan.com/endurance-1/AnnAguirre

Make sure to check out the Fall 2012 Fierce Reads campaign Ann is a part of it and, she will be going on a multi-city and multi-author tour in September. Details can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/FierceReads/events and check out the Fierce Reads Trailer!

And if you want a peak at Outpost you can find a chapter excerpt on the Fierce Reads Fan Page: https://apps.facebook.com/fiercereads/Exclusives

A free Fall 2012 Fierce Reads chapter sampler for e-readers is now available for download, which includes Outpost: http://us.macmillan.com/fiercereadsfall2012chaptersampler/GenniferAlbin

Make sure to check out the rest of Outpost Blog Tour Schedule

Check out Macmillan’s blog post about the tour! http://macteenbooks.com/mackidsblog/?p=1249

Tuesday 9/4                       http://www.thebookmonsters.com/

Wednesday 9/5                http://www.twochicksonbooks.com/

Thursday 9/6                      http://www.thebookcellarx.com/

Friday 9/7                            http://www.pageturnersblog.com/

Saturday 9/8                      http://www.wastepaperprose.com/

Monday 9/10                     http://www.mariaselke.com/

Tuesday 9/11                     http://www.almostgrownup.net/

Wednesday 9/12              http://www.goodchoicereading.com/

Thursday 9/13                   http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/

Fill out the Rafflecopter and remember to comment about your Enclave/Outpost dream casts for your chance to win! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway